The pace of change within the London Borough of Southwark in the past few years continues at considerable speed. The Borough is strengthened by its diversity both by way of population and geography as it fronts to a significant stretch of the River Thames from near to Waterloo Bridge to Greenland dock in the east and stretches to the south through Camberwell and Peckham to Dulwich. The redevelopment of the housing estates at Elephant and Castle is evidence of the rapid progression. Our combined team which comprises 15 lawyers was Highly Commended in last year's Lawyers in Local Government Awards for their work on a range of regeneration schemes.

The Council is determined to continue the regeneration of the Borough. Central to this, is the commitment to continue building new Council homes .The areas around Old Kent Road and Canada Water have been designated by the Mayor as Opportunity Areas and the proposed extension to the Bakerloo Line will assist future redevelopment proposals.

The role

The Council offices are based in Tooley Street which is a short walk from Tower Bridge and also the new London Bridge station. Due to the recent retirement of a long serving senior property lawyer, the Council needs to appoint a replacement to assist with a wide variety of mainly commercial property work including:* The Council is regularly involved in the acquisition of key sites primarily for the delivery of affordable housing; * The team have dealt with a number of high profile compulsory purchase inquiries in recent years; there is a requirement to work in conjunction with the planning lawyers in the team in connection with the preparation of CPO orders which may involve advising on the preparation of evidence from Council officers, briefing barristers and attending inquiries.* Providing due diligence reports on title concerning sites which have been identified for development and acting in connection with the Council's regular portfolio instructions which will include the grant of new leases, lease renewals; surrenders and rent reviews. * Leading up to two assistant lawyers to achieve high performance and effective operational delivery

The requirement

You will come to us with a track record of achievement since qualifying and have several years of commercial property law experience. You will be skilled in building effective relationships at all levels, and will have an impressive record of implementing good governance arrangements and achieving commercially sound outcomes. Above all, you will want to be part of a settled Team of lawyers committed to the delivery of results and added value for its clients within the Borough which is a most exciting place to live, work, and to do business.